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Wednesday, April 27, 2011

When I read online on Facebooks new ABA Area Rare Birds group created by Chris West that a first record for NC Cassin's sparrow was seen just a half hour drive from where we were~~I wanted to see the bird.

There was a Fork-tailed flycatcher seen the same morning the Cassin's was discovered, but hadn't been seen since… I thought idea of seeing a Fork-tail flycatcher might be more appealing to Jeff as it is a Gorgeous bird and would be a life bird for the both of us…

I knew the chances were pretty slim on seeing the Forkie…but..it got us out there to the Cassin's. :)

Cassin's Sparrows have long been one of my favorite sparrows. I have
fond memories of waking up to their songs while camping in western
Oklahoma. Thanks again to Gil for finding and bringing everyone's
attention to them.
It is always risky to speculate why a rarity has shown up, but with two
Cassin's Sparrows in the state, one has to wonder. Cassin's is native
to short and mixed grass prairies with some larger plants - shrubs and
yucca - from which to sing. This area is mainly in western Texas,
Oklahoma, and Kansas and eastern Colorado and New Mexico. Populations
tend to fluctuate greatly, often in response to drought. The drier the
year, the further east they nest. Interestingly, most of their normal
range is in one of the strongest drought in years. Of course, "further
east" is usually central Oklahoma and eastern Texas. Who would have
thought North Carolina!!
John Dole
Raleigh, NC

Here is what Daniel, posted on the listserve later in the day..and a link for photos..

After finding the longspur at Fort Fisher, Dad and I drove up to Slate Circle to try for the Cassin's Sparrows. It took us a little while to find the right field, but once we did both Cassin's Sparrows were singing as soon as we got out of the car. We got great looks and bad photos of one of them, and heard the other one. Link to photos: https://picasaweb.google.com/WhiteEyedVireo/CassinSSparrow41611#

Daniels dads photos are much better than mine…As the distance was great and I just have a point and shoot with 20x …

See the Sparrow?

Here..let me crop the photo…ha..oh there it is!

We actually had great views in the scope….theirs, we didn’t bring ours~ mistake…I could have had a nice digiscoped photo of this bird, as it sat quite a long time singing in the same spot.

This Savannah sparrow was much closer …

I did take a video of the Cassin's ~which is much nicer..because the best part of the whole scene was hearing the bird….a beautiful song…and also the displaying.

Holy Cow!!!!How late am I in thanking you all for your kind comments!I have been at two birding festivals back to back...Birding all day and crashing into a lump of bird brain at night...No energy to do much of anything...

It was awesome to see the Cassins sparrow and hear it singing and see it skylarking!

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“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.” John Muir

"On the road again Just can't wait to get on the road again The life I love is makin' music with my friends And I can't wait to get on the road again On the road again Goin' places that I've never been Seein' things that I may never see again, And I can't wait to get on the road again."

Willie Nelson

Come join me at the festival!

Dawn Fine

Jeff and I have
been Full time Motor-homing since 2001~When and where we will settle down is still a mystery to us. But
for now the nomadic lifestyle is great. We love hiking, birding,
mushrooming, shelling, rocking, and hanging out in the great outdoors
and spending time with family and friends...If you happen to be in the
same area as us..give us a shout..we would love to bird..hike enjoy the
great outdoors and have adventures with you.
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